When most people think of European sports, soccer and cycling are generally the first sports that come to mind, but truth be told, some of the most majestic golf courses in the world are located right in the heart of Europe.

Whether it’s the breathtaking views offered in the golfing mecca of Algarve, Portugal, or the oceanside cliffs in Thracian, Bulgaria, continental Europe is now rightfully included in the conversation with other renowned golfing nations like the US and Australia. However, the best part of playing golf in Europe is the ease of traveling from country to country.

The European Tour holds premier events weekly on stunning golf courses designed by the world’s best architects and course designers: the likes of Nicklaus, Faldo, Simpson, and Robert Trent Jones, just to name a few.

The Ryder Cup has a fond place in the hearts of European golfing fans and players alike. Legends of the game like Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Greg Norman, and Tiger Woods have all graced the fairways of Europe’s best courses, further cementing its place as a golfing powerhouse.

This guide to the best golf courses in Europe will provide you with all the information you need to enjoy the beauty and challenges they offer. I’ll provide information on the length of the course, the location, the course designer, and details on the landscape and style of the course.

Let’s get started!

The PGA at Catalunya Stadium Course

• Where: Girona, Spain
• Course Length: 7,311 yards
• Par: 72
• Course Architect: Angello Gallardo / Neil Coles
• Founded: 1998

In just a short period of time, the PGA Catalunya Stadium Course has firmly established itself as one of the premier golf courses in Europe and around the world. Remarkably, the course took more than ten years to design and develop and was feverishly anticipated by golf experts in Europe, and from the recognition it has garnished, the wait seems well worth it.

Meandering and twisting through the foothills of the magnificent Pyrenees, the Stadium Course nestles into the surroundings like it’s been there since the beginning of time. The PGA Catalunya will challenge and inspire you; from the spectacular scenery and beautiful freshwater lakes to the manicured fairways and slick greens, you wont be disappointed.

At 7,311 yards, the Stadium Course is long enough to challenge the best golfers, while higher handicappers can take advantage of the shorter tees, which make the course slightly easier. With several spectacular five-star hotels and resorts nearby, the PGA Catalunya Stadium Course should be high on your bucket list.

Thracian Cliffs

• Where: Varna, Bulgaria
• Course Length: 7,291 yards
• Par: 72
• Course Architect: Gary Player
• Founded: 2011

Wow, Thracian Cliffs is arguably one of the most spectacular and breathtaking courses anywhere in the world. The course was designed by the legendary Gary Player and is one of his signature designs.

Thracian Cliffs Golf and Beach Resort is built on 85 hectares of some of the most stunning oceanside cliffs in all of Europe. Player has designed the course to snuggle in perfectly with the surrounding terrain, with nearly every hole offering golfers unhampered views of the ocean below. Turn to the left, and the magnificent cliffs stare you in the face; turn to the right, and you’re greeted with jaw-dropping views of the Black Sea coastline.

In terms of difficulty, Thracian Cliffs offers several different teeing areas, making the layout challenging for those who play off the back yet accessible to those who like to play further off the front. The course has hosted the prestigious Volvo World Matchplay Championships and is home to a golf academy that nurtures local juniors and aspiring pros.

The signature par 3, 6th hole, is perched on top of the cliffs with the green 40 meters beneath and the Black Sea lining the entire right-hand side. The hole offers several tee boxes, but the back tees extend the hole to 210 meters for those who like a challenge.

Gary Player has stated that when it’s all said and done, Thracian Cliffs will be ranked in the top three golf courses of all time. I don’t know about that, but there’s no doubt it’s arguably one of the most scenic courses as its skirts the cliffs.

Thracian Cliffs has to sit atop the bucket list of all the courses ranked in this guide. Designed by the legendary Gary Player and perched on some of the most spectacular real estate on the planet, Thracian Cliffs is a must stay and play golfing destination.

The Fontainebleau

• Where: Paris, France
• Course Length: 7,000 yards
• Par: 72
• Course Architect: Mr Tom Simpson
• Founded: 1909

Just as a bottle of fine red wine ages and gets better over time, so has the Fontainebleau Golf Course in France. The course is nestled deep in the magnificent French forest and meanders its way through the ancient pine trees and undulating tablelands.

Known as one of the oldest courses in France, Fontainebleau is a reminder of the traditional courses found in Scotland and the South of England. Designed by legendary architect Tom Simpson back in 1909, the course challenges golfers of all levels with its strategic bunker placement and slick undulating greens.

Shot selection is critical to shooting a good score around Fontainebleau’s challenging outlay, particularly when

playing approach shots to the greens. I would highly recommend visiting the Fontainebleau G.C.; with its breathtaking views and age-old traditions, it’s hard to find a better course in Europe; oh, and don’t forget to enjoy a glass of red wine or two!

The Monte Rei North Course

• Where:  Vila Nova de Cacela, Algarve, Portugal
• Course Length: 7,182 yards
• Par: 72
• Course Architect: Jack Nicklaus
• Founded: 2007

Jack Nicklaus and his team have designed more than 450 courses worldwide, but the North Course at Monte Rei might well be one of his most outstanding to date.

Opened in 2007, the Monte Rei has quickly become known as one the most beautiful and challenging courses in all of Europe. In recent years, Portugal has burst onto the center stage when designing golf courses that take advantage of their stunning coastlines and year-round sun.

The Monte Rei offers golfers unprecedented amphitheater-like approach shots as it sits quietly amongst the natural valleys and plateaus. The Monte Rei Resort is located close by and offers excellent deals for the avid golfer and “”stay and play” packages for families.

Golf de Chantilly

• Where: Paris, France
• Course: Length: 6,990 yards
• Par: 72
• Course Architect: Tom Simpson
• Founded: 1909

Designed by the famed golf course architect Tom Simpson in 1909, Golf de Chantilly is quite simply regarded as one the best courses in all of Europe.

Golf de Chantilly meanders its way through the French countryside, and the Vinieuill Course, in particular, is scattered with natural bunkers surrounding the small undulating greens. On some holes, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in the South of England or even Southeast Australia with the beautiful woodlands and wide-open fairways.

At just under 7,000 yards, the Golf de Chantilly should be a high priority on anyone’s list, especially those looking for a real golfing challenge and the chance to enjoy some famous French cuisine.

Oitavos Dunes

• Where: Lisbon, Portugal
• Course Length: 9,968 yards
• Par: 71
• Course Architect:  Arthur Hills
• Founded: 1937

It’s not often you find a hidden gem located just outside a major city, but that’s precisely the case at Oitavos Dunes. Situated just outside of Lisbon, this course has been described as an ideal combination of traditional golf course design and stunning views of the majestic Portuguese coastline.

Noted American course designer Arthur Hill designed Oitavos Dunes in 1937. The course is a throwback to the links-style layouts of Scotland and the tree-lined courses of Australia and North America. The course offers more than just spectacular views, and the windy conditions of the Portuguese coastline make life challenging for even the best golfers.

Many players and experts have remarked that the sandy conditions are reminiscent of the world-famed “sand-belt” courses back home in my native southeast Australia. At Oitavos Dunes, you’ll find an exciting mix of tree-lined holes and wide-open expanses; that, if it weren’t for the warm weather, gives you the impression you’re playing in the South of England or Scotland.

Oitavos Dunes sees sunshine pretty much all year round, and I couldn’t think of a better way to play some golf, bask in the sun and enjoy some Portuguese cuisine.

West Cliffs

• Where: Lisbon. Portugal
• Course Length: 7,000 yards
• Par: 72
• Course Architect: The Dyson Group
• Founded: 2017

The West Cliffs G.C is another recent addition to the growing number of world-class courses in Portugal. As the name suggests, the course offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the oceanside cliffs Portugal is known for.

Designed by the world-renowned Dye Design Group, the West Cliffs course meanders its way through the tall pines before switching back towards the golden sand dunes. Each hole is distinct from the other, with the designers taking advantage of the diverse geography offered by the enchanting surroundings.

The course is reminiscent of the famed golf links found in Scotland and Ireland, and although the West Cliffs course is only five years old has a traditional and heartwarming feel to it.

The Carya

• Where: Belek, Turkey
• Course Length: 7,186 yards
• Par: 72
• Architect: Thomson Perret
• Founded: 2008

This golf course might take many golfers by surprise, but it shouldn’t. Carya G.C. is located in Turkey’s popular tourist district and has been ranked as one of the best golf courses in Europe. Carya G.C. also hosts the annual European Tour event, the “Race to Dubai,” each November.

The course was designed by the legendary player and architect Peter Thompson, whose team has designed hundreds of well-known courses; oh, and by the way, Peter won the British Open on five occasions.

Understandably golfing addicts have flocked to the course since its opening in 2008, and they’re not let down when they arrive. The course treks its way through the lush surroundings, and it’s easy to see the design team took full advantage of the undulating topography and the native flora and fauna.

The course is kept in immaculate condition year-round; coupled with the marvels and uniqueness of the Turkish culture, it’s a must-play for any true golfer.

Valderrama

• Where: Sotogrande, Spain
• Course Length: 6,951 yards
• Par: 72
• Course Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr
• Founded: 1974

When you’re talking about the most famed, traditional, and celebrated golf courses in Europe, then Valderrama has to factor into the conversation. Designed and established in 1974 by Robert Trent Jones, Valderrama hosted the Ryder Cup in 1997 and has played host the Spanish Masters on several occasions.

Robert Trent Jones is regarded by many as the greatest golf course designer of his generation, designing hundreds of stunning courses globally, and Valderrama is no exception.

Valderrama’s challenging layout has tested the best players in the world for years. The design prioritizes shot selection and demands players strategically think their way around the course. Although the course is not overly long, one missed shot, and you’re staring down triple-bogey.

That being said, Valderrama Golf Course offers several teeing areas making it accessible for golfers of all levels. Spain is world-renowned for its great food and wine, and with the magnificent Valderrama G. C, you can now add golf courses to the list

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande

• Where: Sotogrande. Spain
• Course Length: 7,099 yards
• Par: 72
• Course Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr
• Founded: 1964

Another stunning golf course in the Sotogrande, the Real Club de Golf is, known to be one of the earliest golf courses in all of Spain. Designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones Sr in 1964, the course is widely considered the best right behind Valderrama.

Real Club de Golf is nestled in the quaint seaside area of Costa del Sol and displays a wide variety of topography such as golden beaches, seaside cliffs, estuaries, and even epic sand dunes.

Robert Trent Jones Sr has taken advantage of the stunning geography, and the course is dotted with native flora and fauna. The outlay itself is demanding and, while not overly long, the course is littered with strategically placed hazards that can cause havoc for even the best of players.

Real Club de Golf is consistently ranked inside Europe’s top 50 courses, and golfers that have played the course say the fairways and greens are some of the best kept in all of Europe. So if you get the chance, I highly recommend taking a trip to the beautiful Costa del Sol and taking on this mighty challenge.